I doubt Research In Motion really knew what hit them back when the iPhone launched. I doubt they really knew what hit them when Android steamrolled the smartphone market. And, today, I still doubt they really know what the heck they are supposed to do to turn their sinking ship around. Update: RIM contacted us with a statement on the matter - they state everything in the BGR article is wrong. Read on for the full statement.

A kickass usability for typical mid scenarios in hand sized form factor.
I wouldn't buy IPhone bc of its restrictions but every time I get to use one I can feel the amount of fine tunning that went into the device. It's not only about the os but how well the shape, form factor and screen layout, gestures and touch screen surface friction that play with each other. (That's why I believe Apple won't hurry up introducing 4.3'' and keyboard phones).
This is not something that can be easily replicated without years of work.
As far as usability is concerned it's no shame to be worse than even IOS v.1. Nothing comes even close to it.